When the dark clouds are covered in sky and we seek shelter and help, a messiah comes silently to cast the light in the world. Raja Ram Mohan Roy was such a figure in the dark phase of Bengal when all were fighting for independence. He was the founder of Brahmo Samaj and with his leadership Bengal was able to abolish ’sati’ to an end. A personality with immense knowledge he was truly the pathfinder of modern Bengal. He was an architect of not only young Bengal but India.
He was born on 22nd May 1772, in Radhanagar, Hoogly in Bengal. He was the son of Ramakanto Roy and Tarini Devi. He was a prolific educator from his childhood. He started learning Arabic at the age of 8. He also learnt Greek, Urdu, Persian, Hebrew, Latin, French and English. He was proficient in ten languages at the age of 23. He joined the Civil Service under the British East India Company. He wrote a book in Persian language “Tuhfat-ul-Muwa-dabad”.
Satidaha was an absolute social black spot in the then society where young women who became widow were burnt alive along their husbands body cremation. Ram Mohan Roy along with Dwarakanath Tagore and other reformist raised continuous protest against Satidaha. With his continuous provocation only the act was passed to stop Satidaha. Ram Mohan Roy in fact was also instrumental in widow remarriage and abolition of child marriage. He formed Brahma Sabha on 20th August 1828 which later became Brahma Samaj.
He also established the Anglo-Hindu School in 1822 and General Assembly’s Institution in 1826. He traveled to England in 1830 and died on 27th September 1833 in Bristol, England. Ram Mohan Roy was not only a social reformer but his fight against the darkest phase of society has largely impacted. He was an ardent advocator of education in all phases of the society. With his hand holding Bengal had a rise in the social scenario and hence he can be cited as Modern Architect of Bengal. He was a follower of Vedanta philosophy and believed in one God. He had invested his assets in the education of Bengal, a true son of the soil who fulfilled his duties. His reforms still is a example in the chapters of Indian history. He was deeply engraved in literary works. He studied and composed books on Vedanta Philosophy and Upanishad. He was the torchbearer of journalism in Bengal and used to publish a Newspaper called “Sanbad Koumadi”. We pay our respect to this great soul on his birthday.
Contributions of Raja Rammohan Roy
Social Reforms:
Raja Ram Mohan Roy dedicated himself to eliminating social injustices and promoting equality. He strongly opposed practices such as Sati, child marriage, and polygamy. His relentless efforts were instrumental in the abolition of Sati and the enactment of laws that safeguarded the rights of widows and women.
Religious Reforms:
Roy aimed to foster a rational and inclusive approach to religion. He established the Brahmo Samaj, a socio-religious reform movement advocating monotheism, rejecting idol worship, and emphasizing the importance of reason and morality in religious practices. The Brahmo Samaj became the cornerstone for subsequent religious reform movements in India.
Educational Reforms:
Understanding the importance of education for societal progress, Raja Ram Mohan Roy significantly contributed to the establishment of educational institutions. He founded the Hindu College in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and promoted the integration of Western education with traditional Indian knowledge. His initiatives were crucial in advancing modern education in India.
Political Reforms:
He was a passionate in political reform and individual rights. He voiced strong objections to the British colonial administration and called for increased Indian participation in their own governance. He championed the rule of law, freedom of speech, and civil liberties.
Language and Literature:
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a prolific writer and polyglot who played a significant role in the development of modern Indian languages, particularly Bengali, through his writings and translations. He made ancient Indian texts accessible to a broader audience by translating and popularizing them.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s contributions profoundly influenced India’s intellectual and social landscape. His progressive ideas, focus on education, and advocacy for social justice continue to inspire generations, leaving a lasting impact on India’s cultural, religious, and political spheres.
